Blackberry plans desperate measures

The smartphone maker, formerly known as RIM, BlackBerry has confirmed that it is looking at some desperate measures after announcing disappointing results from its new line of smartphones.

Blackberry was in the last chance saloon with its new range, which was released late and nearly a generation behind Android phones. Chief Executive Thorsten Heins said that a licensing deal, or even an outright sale of the company, was still a possibility.

Responding to a question about whether he was looking into strategic alternatives, said he is open to all options that create value for shareholders. He said that up until now Blackberry has focused on creating value through the launch of its new devices powered by an all-new BlackBerry 10 operating system. "This is a long-term transition for the company, but I can assure you that we're pushing very hard," Heins said at the company's annual shareholder meeting. "BlackBerry will pursue every opportunity to create value for shareholders."